Method and apparatus for ozone sterilization
US7588720B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 31, 2006 |
| Grant date | Sep 15, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 8, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S422/907
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The present invention provides a method and apparatus for sterilizing articles using an ozone-containing gas, where condensation of water from the sterilization atmosphere during the sterilization process is substantially prevented. The inventive sterilization method includes providing a sterilization chamber and placing an article into the sterilization chamber. The sterilization chamber is sealed prior to equalizing the temperature of the article and the atmosphere in the sterilization chamber. A vacuum is applied to achieve a preselected vacuum pressure in the sterilization chamber. Once the vacuum pressure is set, water vapour is supplied to the sterilization chamber. Ozone-containing gas is then supplied to the sterilization chamber and the sterilization chamber remains sealed for a preselected treatment period, where the sterilization chamber remains sealed throughout the whole process. Finally, vacuum in the sterilization chamber is released.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.